Dimensions - Fall 2014 - 3

know l e dge

Substation

Security

Electric power is vital to the safety, well-being, and
economic prosperity in the U.S. Power utilities have a
responsibility to provide stable, reliable, and affordable
power to their customers. As a result, utility companies
are continually evaluating processes at their facilities
to provide appropriate security measures with modern
technology to maintain this reliability. In this Dimensions ®
Q&A, Max Chance, PE, discusses innovative ways that
Dewberry is helping to address modern day substation
security through surveying and site design.

What steps can be taken to make
substations less vulnerable to
vandalism, theft, and gunfire?

surveyors can use 3-D laser scanning technology to scan

Security of a utility's assets has always been a

model showing all of the equipment inside the station,

consideration. What we're seeing today in terms of security

as well as see the heights, sags, and alignments of the

measures is simply the next step in a constantly evolving

lines entering or exiting the station. This allows for quick

process. Recent events in Silicon Valley, California, show

conflict identification.

that as the potential for vandalism, breaches, and even

In addition to a perimeter topographic survey,
the entire substation. Engineers can then develop a 3-D

measures to adequately protect the assets. Currently, some

How can technology play a
role in protecting our utilities?

utilities are investigating the use of a new style of fencing

3-D laser scanning technology has empowered us, as

that is taller, designed to deter intruders, and has an

well as our clients, to better identify substation security

increased level of opacity that can obscure the detail of the

vulnerabilities. Additionally, the scan generates a

equipment inside the substation.

complete 3-D points file, allowing clients to use the scan

gunfire into substations increases, so must security

for an accurate record document. This can be very useful

How does surveying add value?

in planning and designing future maintenance and

By surveying a predetermined area around the

expansions.

perimeter of the substation, we can determine where

In addition to the planning and design benefits of 3-D

the station is most vulnerable and make informed

scanning, safety is also a key advantage since surveyors

recommendations to the client about physically

do not need to physically enter the substation to perform

securing the site. It also can help the design team

the scan. In many cases, utility companies may not need

determine if and where additional barriers need to be

to provide an escort for the survey crew since they will not

placed and at what height.

need access into the station to complete a scan.
Fall 2014

3
http://www.dewberry.com/News/Blog/14-03-10/How_Can_Surveying_Reduce_Power_Industry_Security_Risks
Dimensions - Fall 2014

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